Controlled Growth and Interconversion of Photoluminescent Metal-Organic Frameworks Under High-Concentration...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) requires large volumes of organic solvents like N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF).
• High-concentration solvothermal methods offer reduced solvent use but lack understanding of dynamic self-assembly processes.
• Controlling MOF crystallization is crucial for scalable and sustainable production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate MOF crystallization under variable high-concentration and temperature conditions.
• To identify key factors influencing the formation of specific MOF phases.
• To develop new synthetic strategies for MOFs with tunable optoelectronic properties.

Main Methods:

• Systematic investigation of Mg2(dobdc) framework crystallization across concentrations (0.01-0.2 M) and temperatures (80-160 °C).
• Analysis of acid-catalyzed DMF hydrolysis and the roles of dimethylamine and formate.
• Synthesis of new Fe, Co, Ni, Zn analogs of CORN-MOF-1 and CORN-MOF-6 (M) series.

Main Results:

• Identified controlling factors for isolating Mg(DHT)(DMF)2 and CORN-MOF-1 (Mg) phases.
• Linked MOF phase preference to DMF hydrolysis extent and competing species (dimethylamine, formate) influenced by temperature and pH.
• Successfully synthesized novel Fe, Co, Ni, Zn analogs of CORN-MOF-1 and CORN-MOF-6 (M) series.

Conclusions:

• Established a clearer understanding of MOF formation under high-concentration conditions.
• Demonstrated tunable luminescence properties in newly synthesized MOF series based on metal composition and structure.
• These MOFs show potential for optoelectronic applications.